University of the Witwatersrand campus

Arts & Humanities

Doctor of Philosophy Wits School of Art at University of the Witwatersrand

University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Programme overview

The PhD is a degree that takes a minimum of 2 years full-time or maximum of 4 years part-time and is offered across all schools in the Faculty. The PhD is the highest qualification which a student can earn by conducting independent research under supervision. The thesis is required to make a recognisable contribution to knowledge in the field of study, and must be of a publishable standard.

Faculty: Humanities  |  Department: Wits School of Arts  |  Duration: 2 - 4 years  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The WSOA application requirements for a Ph.D. (whether traditional or creative) requires submission of the following: 1. Letter of Motivation. 2. 3-page Expression of Interest: a. A concept note identifying the proposed area of research enquiry and specific research questions. b. This concept note should also demonstrate the applicant’s familiarity with the literature, creative works, and debates in the field of proposed enquiry. 3. CV 4. Academic transcript of all prior degrees. 5. Copy of your MA report/dissertation. 6. In the case of a Ph.D. by Creative Research: a. the proposal must be accompanied by a portfolio of work/performance/scripts, etc. OR links to an online portfolio, performances etc. You may apply online or download an application form from the link below: https://www.wits.ac.za/postgraduate/applications/ Additional entry requirements apply.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Research and PhD applicants must approach the relevant school or department to discuss the research topic and availability of a supervisor before applying.

Postgraduate applications are made online at www.wits.ac.za/applications; the closing date for each programme is listed in its course finder entry. The application fee is R200 (not payable by current Wits students applying online), paid via the Self-Service Portal or by EFT to the Wits University Application Fees account at FNB.

Apply through the official page: https://www.wits.ac.za/applications

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